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Weddings are supposed to be a time for love and joy and celebration—for new beginnings. But in the twisting drama After the Wedding, an unexpected wedding invitation digs up old memories and forces some difficult decisions for a guest from out of town.
After the Wedding stars Michelle Williams as Isabel, a quiet, reserved woman who manages a struggling orphanage in India. When the orphanage receives an offer of a very generous donation from an American businesswoman, they’re absolutely thrilled—until they discover that it comes with a catch: Isabel must travel to New York to meet with their benefactor in person. Reluctantly, she leaves the children behind, promising to return with a “suitcase full of money.” But then she meets Theresa (Julianne Moore), who delays their meeting and invites Isabel to her daughter’s wedding—which puts Isabel in a completely unexpected position.
Far from just a simple, straightforward wedding story, After the Wedding truly begins after the vows have been exchanged—and what follows is loaded with twists and turns. Though it starts out as an unexpected but brief business trip for Isabel it soon turns into an awkward wedding weekend—and that’s just the beginning of the surprises and revelations. It seems quite clear from the beginning that something here isn’t quite right—that Theresa isn’t being completely forthcoming about her reasons for supporting the orphanage and bringing Isabel to New York during such a busy time for her family.
Remade from Susanne Bier’s 2006 Oscar-nominated Danish film, the Hollywood version does still retain some of the European style. It isn’t as bold and fast-paced as mainstream US audiences might expect. Instead, it takes its time, serving up its revelations a little at a time. For that reason, it’s slowly, quietly suspenseful, but it can also feel somewhat distant and lacking in depth—and the generally strong but understated performances tend to enhance that feeling. It might leave viewers wishing for more of a connection to the characters and their story—but as long as you’re prepared for the slower pace, the secrets and revelations and conflicts are more than enough to keep you engaged.
After a summer filled with superheroes and wild comedies, After the Wedding may be a bit of a shock to your system. But while it isn’t as loud and direct as most recent releases, it’s still a captivating drama.
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